A new initiative is calling for children born in to automatically receive citizenship if their parents have resided legally in the country for several years. Supported by over 100 public figures, the campaign launches Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Founders include political scientists and Gerd Valchars, alongside filmmaker Olga Kosanovic. Supporters include former Chancellor and Nobel laureate . Germany implemented a similar birthright law 25 years ago.
Currently, 1.9 million people in Austria lack citizenship, including 300,000 born domestically. While the current government program excludes birthright citizenship, proponents argue the change is vital as non-citizen rates rise among younger generations.